Your Essential Oil Horoscope: Pick the Perfect Scent For Your Astrological Sign

The New York Times completely poo-poos it, but the New York Post features it daily. Just like these two rival papers, most readers fall on one side of the other—either you think that horoscopes are total B.S., or your actions and decisions are heavily influenced by the stars and planets.

Regardless of whether they’re bunk or believable, there’s no denying that the celestial instructions are super fun to read. Consult them when you’re making a big decision, dating a new person, or not sure what color dress to buy, because not only do astrological signs have  certain personalities associated with them, but they also have corresponding colors, days of the week, and even essential oils.

The 12 horoscopes are intrinsically linked to natural healing, so it makes sense that each sign has its own ideal essential oil that helps soothe and rejuvenate the body. If you’re an old pro when it comes to these aromatics, you may be surprised to find that your favorite oil actually represents your sun sign—or that it’s time to add a new scent to match your spirit.

Aries

The first sign of the Zodiac, those born under this sign are passionate, brave, and just like most firstborns, a little bossy. Don’t take offense, Aries! Just like your famous counterpart Lady Gaga, you just happen to know exactly what you want.  And like that kooky lady, you can have a fiery temper and sometimes have a hard time letting go. Traditionally, the essential oil that can totally chill out ambitious Aries is peppermint—the rejuvenating oil can help reset and refocus this sign. Aries is also prone to headaches that are easily alleviated with a whiff of peppermint or rosemary oil!

Taurus

The bull represents Taurus for a reason—slow, deliberate, reliable, and loyal, those born under this sign dislike change and can be stubborn when it comes to adapting to new situations. Their inflexible disposition translates to stiffness in the rest of the body, too. Rosemary oil helps ease aching and sore muscles, and if change truly gives you anxiety it could be beneficial: Studies show that inhaling rosemary oil decreases chronic stress.

Gemini

Quick-witted, versatile, and multidimensional, the sign of the twins is represented by duality—meaning Geminis can sometimes change their minds and moods on a whim, but they’re also easily adaptable to most situations. Because people born under this sign are naturally good at almost everything—seriously, they’re easy to get along with, funny, and super creative—they tend to bite off a little more than they can chew. That’s okay, it can be rough being so talented! Lavender keeps those born under this sign calm and collected even under pressure, so add a few drops to your favorite carrier oil (we love sweet almond oil) and dab onto wrists for an all-day reminder to slow your roll.

Cancer

Ruled by the Moon, the moods of Cancer are constantly waxing and waning—empathetic and intuitive, their emotions are easily influenced by their surroundings and the energy around them. Eek, crabby much? But even though people born in this sign can sometimes snap, they’re one of the most loving and generous signs in the zodiac. Regulate mood swings and ease a sensitive stomach (which tends to bother Cancerians) with soothing chamomile oil.

Leo

Powerful, dominant, quietly confident, Leos are self-assured no matter what the situation. This sign rules over the heart, the back, and spine, which means that people born in this sign have a tendency toward back pain and circulatory issues. Stay sweet by spritzing rose essential oil diffused with water in a spray bottle all over—not only does it help alleviate pain, but it’s a vasoconstrictor too, which helps support the heart.

Virgo

Practical, grounded, and a little bit OCD, Virgos can easily be stressed if they’re juggling too much at home or at work. Preferring to keep life simple and uncomplicated, they often go with the most logical or sensible choice when forced to make decisions. This makes them REALLY great company when you’re trying to pick a movie on Netflix, but sometimes Virgo needs a little extra inspiration to get creative and think outside of the box.

Want to boost creativity and stay cool under pressure? Ylang ylang essential oil is the answer to your anxiety. Its slightly sweet, floral scent is perfect for calming  a racing mind. Bonus? When massaged into the scalp it helps hair grow faster, longer, and shinier!

Libra

Represented by the scales, Libra is the definition of balance—they’re able to find harmony between work and play, be the diplomat amongst their many friends, and build a healthy relationship with their significant other. Libra, you’re so normal and well-adjusted it’s almost unfair! Ironically, it’s their hormones that sometimes fall out of whack—hormonal imbalances are common amongst Libra. Help your kidneys and adrenals align with geranium oil; one of the most balancing essential oils, when applied topically it can control oil production and when inhaled it can help regulate hormones.

Scorpio

Emotional, passionate, and determined, Scorpio is a force to be reckoned with. Count yourself in good company—Hillary Clinton is a serious Scorpio, too. Those born in this sign make incredibly loyal and loving friends, but don’t get on their bad side—once you wrong a Scorpio, there’s no turning back. Because they’re so highly charged, it’s beneficial for those of this sign to stop and breathe. Sandalwood and clary sage can help soften the heart of this powerful sign, making it easier for the scorpion to move on and forgive.

Sagittarius

Consider yourself lucky if you’re born under this sign—fun-loving, adventurous, and enthusiastic, everyone adores you! Sagittarians tend to suffer from wanderlust; traveling, moving, and experiencing new things is the life-blood of this sign. Because they’re constantly in motion, they tend to have sore lower backs, hips, and legs. Tea tree oil is the perfect remedy to aching muscles—whether Sagittarius is climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or en route to Paris via Air France, this soothing oil will increase circulation and ease aches and pains that come with traveling.

Capricorn

Always practical, but fun when they let loose and live a little, Capricorns are loyal to a fault. Because they’re constantly thinking about the future, people born under this sign are ambitious planners that work very hard to achieve their goals. Because they’re so driven, it can be hard for Capricorns to let loose and really be themselves. Sandalwood or lemon oil are both excellent for this sign—sandalwood is perfect for soothing the perfectionist in Capricorn, while lemon can rejuvenate and revive an overworked mind.

Aquarius

The most friendly and kind sign of the Zodiac, Aquarians are famous for their cheerful personalities and originality. Super creative, those born under this sign are so unique that they can sometimes be viewed as a little eccentric. The essential oil of choice for this water sign? Neroli oil, or bitter orange oil. Excellent for circulation and healing varicose veins, this sensual smelling oil totally screams “I’m an Aquarius!”

Pisces

Dreamy and spiritual, Pisces are the final sign of the Zodiac, and also notoriously the most intuitive and sensitive. Of course, their out-of-this-world nature can make them seem like they’ve got their head in the clouds, or even lazy, but Pisces is just busy brainstorming a way to save the world with love. Stay grounded, dear Pisces, with cedarwood oil or bergamot oil. Bergamot’s sweet citrus scent makes it popular as a wearable fragrance, but it’s excellent for keeping even the dreamiest among us focused and aware.

Illustration by Foley Wu